"The ANC KZN has full confidence in these comrades and has no doubt that they will be equal to the mammoth task to turn around the fortunes of this strategic municipality," the party statement read.

"We are more than confident that the challenges which have been experienced by Msunduzi will be overcome with the election of these trusted comrades of our movement. We are also confident that they would return this vital municipality to its former glory - not just that of being one of the best-run municipalities in the country and the province's crown jewel - but to once again deliver quality and efficient services to the people of Msunduzi such as water, electricity, housing, sanitation and refuse collection," it added.

The eThekwini Municipality was also due to elect its mayor to replace ousted Zandile Gumede on Thursday, but the council meeting where the election would take place was cancelled on Wednesday. This after Gumede withdrew the resignation letter she had filed with the ANC on Monday.